| Welcome to Mercedes-190.co.uk We are the Mercedes 190 owners forum, the place to be for all owners and fans of the Mercedes 190E, 190 and 190D cars. Including Cosworth (2.3 16v and 2.5 16v), EVO 1 and EVO 2 models. Modified and concourse, track cars and daily drivers, all are welcome. This free UK based forum was started back in November 2005 to serve the Mercedes 190 W201 community and now has over 9000 members from all around the world and 600,000 + posts. The members welcome you and encourage you to stay a while and have a look around. We offer you friendly chat and access to some very useful information as well as tutorials with photos and videos for many common repair and maintenance jobs. Whatever your needs there is a good chance you will be able to find what your looking for. Such as our Mercedes 190 buyers guide Sign up to gain access to all areas including for sale / classified areas and country wide meetings and events. Many forum features and sections are only available once you sign up. Join our forum at mercedes-190.co.uk! If you're already a member please log in to your account: **New members signing up** please check your junk mail for the email authorization email otherwise we cannot verify your new account. I have noticed a lot of unauthorized accounts in the system. Regards Admin |
| 190E Erratic Idling and engine stalling; 190E Erratic Idling and engine Stalling | |
|---|---|
| Tweet Topic Started: Mon Sep 16, 2013 2:11 pm (5,698 Views) | |
| Soulman | Mon Sep 16, 2013 2:11 pm Post #1 |
|
Newbie
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Hi All, I don't know if it is just me but this idling issue seems to be discussed in many different topics but I personally haven't ever found any proper solutions or answers - perhaps they are a number of them. I recently got a 190E and I am having similar issues. The car starts fine but the revs go too high (2000rpm). I previously adjusted the revs using the black knob attached to the throttle cable and pushed it too far off from the 'micro-switch' or 'deceleration switch' - not sure of the name and I found out (through forums) apparently that if it is disconnected, during start up revs will go too high... Anyways, the issue at hand is the erratic idling and car turning off when braking or coming to a stop... Car drives perfectly fine however when coming to a stop the revs drop really low (500RPM) and sometimes (many times) the car turns off... I had a specialist have a quick look at it and he says its not the AFM, ICV or potentiometer.... I am taking the car to him to have a look at again and will update post if he finds out what the exact issue is... In the mean time, if anyone has any ideas if what it could be please let me know... Thanks Soulman |
![]() |
|
| SHMO190 | Mon Sep 16, 2013 2:21 pm Post #2 |
|
Part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
i was going to say the AFM, but if youve ruled this out ... mine had rusted out due to an air leak. has he taken it off to have a good look? |
![]() |
|
| Soulman | Mon Sep 16, 2013 2:27 pm Post #3 |
|
Newbie
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Thanks SHMO190 I am guessing he might look into it on Thursday... at least I hope he will. Anyway of finding out without taking it off? It is pretty much a rust free car so I doubt it could be that but you never know... |
![]() |
|
| Vtec | Tue Sep 17, 2013 9:40 am Post #4 |
|
Part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
It might be as easy as ovp, dry joints etc. or maybe clogged fuel filter, fuel pressure, air leak, mixture out of range. I think that's way there is no proper answer coz there could be so many things causing it but try the ovp, this the usual culprit. |
![]() |
|
| SHMO190 | Tue Sep 17, 2013 10:43 am Post #5 |
|
Part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
not really, but i managed to take it of in 20 minutes .... not as complicated as it seems if you have the smallest of air leaks, it can cause probs, but i would also go with Vtec above, and check all those things and add the fuel pump relay also, as those things always go and are just as prone to failure as the OVP in my experience. good luck mate |
![]() |
|
| Soulman | Tue Sep 17, 2013 10:23 pm Post #6 |
|
Newbie
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Thanks guys, I will try and have a look tomorrow and see if I can see anything obvious and will update otherwise I will just wait till Thursday and perhaps mention it to the specialist... Strangely enough today the car started and revs were absolutely perfect... car was idling so true it was unbelievable but around 20mins later of the car just idling and not being driven, the revs began to drop slowly and over a span of around 5 - 7 minutes the slowly dropped until the car turned off... thought that was strange... Id be really chuffed if I can resolve this issue myself... hopefully its jus the OVP... I hear they are behind the Battery... saw another forum with where to find them so will do some homework before opening it up.. Thanks all for the help, advice and suggestions anyway... |
![]() |
|
| steveb | Tue Sep 17, 2013 10:24 pm Post #7 |
|
Part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
while you are checking ovp relay etc remove the ecuS and give them a clean on the pins and the cap you can do this with a soft paintbrush. |
![]() |
|
| Vtec | Wed Sep 18, 2013 2:26 am Post #8 |
|
Part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Ovp is behind the battery next to ecu. Take out the battery, than the plastic cover and than lift and tilt the ecu's that way you have quite clear access to the ovp. |
![]() |
|
| Soulman | Wed Sep 18, 2013 7:48 pm Post #9 |
|
Newbie
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Thanks Steve and Vtec, I managed to do the above... took off battery, plastic cover and got to the 2 ECU's... took em off and gave em a quick clean... Got the OVP and had a good look at it... both fuses on top of it are true and OVP itself looks just as good. Gave it a quick clean and fitted it all back... Started car and blegh! same old problem lol... Tomorrow at 10am its at the garage... I just hope it gets fixed and isn't a major problem... Will update... |
![]() |
|
| dj2909 | Thu Sep 19, 2013 2:42 pm Post #10 |
|
Part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
I had the same problem & had everything above checked too but idle & cutting out issue continued. I then took it too a merc specialist garage who managed to fix it... The petentiometer was faulty & has been replaced, Now I'm back to happy motoring !! |
![]() |
|
| Soulman | Thu Sep 19, 2013 5:12 pm Post #11 |
|
Newbie
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Lucky you dj2909... I wish mine was and will be as straightforward as that... Just had a quick chat with mechanic and he confirms all the above are ok... even the OVP which he said seems new and was probably replaced in the hope of fixing the problem... he said its defo no potentiometer as that's fine... He reckons it is either the lamda sensor or an ECU... if its an ECU...DAMN!! Need to see how much those go for... He mentioned one of the pins not giving out enough voltage when he connected it to the diagnosis tool so he also needs to look into that before he can come up with a solid conclusion... Ill speak to him properly tomorrow and hopefully ill have an answer... |
![]() |
|
| Merc190IRL | Thu Sep 19, 2013 6:41 pm Post #12 |
|
Part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Is it misfiring on one cylinder on idle just? |
![]() |
|
| Soulman | Thu Sep 19, 2013 10:31 pm Post #13 |
|
Newbie
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
No idea Merc 190IRL... Ill discus it with him in detail tomorrow when I meet him... |
![]() |
|
| JustbeCoz | Fri Sep 20, 2013 7:20 pm Post #14 |
|
Part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
sounds like an air leak to me. runs higher rpm when enriched at cold start then gradually dies as ecu weakens off to normal running. I would suspect rubber boot on bottom of afm assembly. I would not go for ecu as these cars were designed by engineers who set them up to run well even if given dodgy sensor inputs. |
![]() |
|
| Soulman | Fri Sep 20, 2013 11:45 pm Post #15 |
|
Newbie
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Hi all, I got the car back today and he tells me its the Lambda sensor and it could also potentially be the fuel pump relay as that affects the lamda... I replaced the lambda sensor with a Bosch one and there has been a slight improvement but car still bubbles. It does run smoother for sure but the turning off issue still there and erratic idle ... I am beginning to think its an air thing... I now need and want to re-check all the vaccum pipes properly incase i missed any... anyone have link to a post where this has been done so I may use it as a guide? I have half a mind of also changing the Fuel pump relay and asking specialist to tune it but I am very doubtful at this stage although I wonder whether that would change things... esp the tuning.. really wonder how much more stable it'll make the car? I notice another very strange thing today... When the headlights and fogs are turned on, the revs dropped and stayed at the dropped level.... turn lights off and they go up... Thoughts, suggestions, ideas? Anything that can help... i am NOT going to give up on this car! |
![]() |
|
| Merc190IRL | Sat Sep 21, 2013 12:13 am Post #16 |
|
Part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
For a start the headlight and fogs with rev thing isnt related i dont think.-thats more like a battery related thing-maybe low amp battery- The eratic idle-when your mech said it was the lambda and u replaced it and the problem was still there-did u not tell him it was wrong and the problem was still there? For a start i would see if there is a misfire?with car off-unplug all ht leads off the spark plugs and just leave them resting on top of the plugs and start the car-then lift each lead off each spark plug one by one-when u lift one off and the car dies more,then theres no misfire on that cylinder-when u get to a lead when u that off and the car doesnt die then thats the misfiring cylinder. i dunno maybe its something to check:) |
![]() |
|
| Merc190IRL | Sat Sep 21, 2013 12:16 am Post #17 |
|
Part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
edit:be warned u could get a shock when taking off leads so maybe use a tool to lift off leads when car is on:) |
![]() |
|
| Merc190IRL | Sat Sep 21, 2013 12:17 am Post #18 |
|
Part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
also did u start car at night with lights off and bonnet open to see if there is any arcing between ht leads? |
![]() |
|
| balamb37 | Sat Sep 21, 2013 10:43 am Post #19 |
|
Grumpy Old Grampa with Dog
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
The headlights and foglights WILL affect the idling revs as there is greater load on the alternator BUT that should regulate itself back to normal within a few seconds or so providing your engine is in good order. |
![]() |
|
| Merc190IRL | Mon Sep 23, 2013 7:04 pm Post #20 |
|
Part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Any update Soulman? |
![]() |
|
| SHMO190 | Tue Sep 24, 2013 10:36 am Post #21 |
|
Part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
defo change the FPR mate ... those bl**dy things are a nightmare .... once they start going wrong, they through the car out of kilter ... standard part upgrade i do on every Merc of that era that i have bought ... even the one i have now ... good luck |
![]() |
|
| G3MAW | Tue Sep 24, 2013 11:54 am Post #22 |
|
Part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Idle control isn't working properly. Count the springs on the AFM/Throttle body linkage - one at the side of the AFM, next to the cable, and the SECOND one under the AFM connecting the throttle body linkage and the inlet manifold strut |
![]() |
|
| Merc190IRL | Sat Sep 28, 2013 9:30 pm Post #23 |
|
Part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Any update Soulman? |
![]() |
|
| Soulman | Sun Sep 29, 2013 2:53 pm Post #24 |
|
Newbie
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Hey sorry for delayed response... Went back to mechanic to check if lambda sensor was giving fluctuating readings as it should but no, still constant... hes diagnostic machine isn't working so he may refer me to his mate in Maida Vale if the issue is still there after Fuel pump relay is replaced.... Next move is to change the Fuel Pump Relay... tried getting one from Euro car parts but they insisted on me giving them a part number despite the fact i said its not been opened yet.. Anyway hopefully Ill have new part and fit it by end of next week latest and will update... I have noticed on cold it runs true and problem seems more prominent when its warm so might do a bit of reading... I am sure i have read of people having issues only when car is warm... Wish me luck! |
![]() |
|
| Soulman | Mon Oct 7, 2013 7:32 am Post #25 |
|
Newbie
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
FINALLY DONE!!!! Changed the fuel pump relay and car is running true... just need to take it to the mechanic (Wayne Gates in Harrow, guy called Terry) for a tune up and im all done! Thanks all for help and suggestions... it really is much appreciated and anyone else who has this issue with similar symptoms I guess you have a potential solution. Lambda sensor and Fuel pump relay although as earlier suggested it could be a number of things and these are 2 you could add to the list... |
![]() |
|
| Merc190IRL | Mon Oct 7, 2013 7:22 pm Post #26 |
|
Part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
!
Edited by Merc190IRL, Mon Oct 7, 2013 7:25 pm.
|
![]() |
|
| Merc190IRL | Mon Oct 7, 2013 7:23 pm Post #27 |
|
Part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Top form!! Great news!! I'm chuffed for ya! |
![]() |
|
| SHMO190 | Tue Oct 8, 2013 1:09 pm Post #28 |
|
Part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
thats why they charge £160 for those bl**dy things at the dealers - £100 at GSF tho !!! |
![]() |
|
| Soulman | Wed Oct 9, 2013 2:46 pm Post #29 |
|
Newbie
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Thanks guys! Will have another update soon as car is tuned... now debating whether to drop car and by how much... :p Also thinking on banding the steels i currently have... |
![]() |
|
| nullogik | Wed Oct 9, 2013 3:24 pm Post #30 |
|
More than part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Hi SHMO190, What brand are the ones GSF supplies? |
![]() |
|
| Soulman | Thu Jul 2, 2015 5:04 pm Post #31 |
|
Newbie
![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Hi All, Coming back to this... i know its old but i though it would be good to add... Car was never 100% and I only today after revisiting noticed the inlet gasket manifold is gone and has a leak... had an ex mechanic check it out and he sussed it out! You could easily end up changing quite a few expensive parts when it could be something as simple as that so guess advice is make sure the basics are done before taking on the big issues... |
![]() |
|
| Gnasha | Wed Aug 30, 2017 10:44 am Post #32 |
|
More than part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
After reading this topic and experiencing most of the above symptoms I changed my fuel pump relay. Euro parts £94 MB 214+vat I now drive a car that: Doesn't stall when stopped Starts up the key when cold even after standing for a week Doesn't snatch when travelling at high revs Doesn't hunt when first started from cold Thank you to all that have contributed to this topic Gnasha |
![]() |
|
| Chunk | Wed Aug 30, 2017 10:56 am Post #33 |
|
Spammer Zapper
![]()
|
Good to see you back Gnasha |
![]() |
|
| Gnasha | Wed Aug 30, 2017 6:22 pm Post #34 |
|
More than part of things
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]()
|
Ive never been far away just haven't been active much. I was sorry I missed the Santapod meeting this year I was hoping to make it three in a row, it's always a great weekend. Gnash-a |
![]() |
|
| 1 user reading this topic (1 Guest and 0 Anonymous) | |
| « Previous Topic · Engine · Next Topic » |







![]](http://z2.ifrm.com/static/1/pip_r.png)
however when coming to a stop the revs drop really low (500RPM) and sometimes (many times) the car turns off...




3:14 PM Jul 11